Cruise Talk: FIRST CRUISE

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Topic: FIRST CRUISE

STEVE
Just Boarded
Member # 412

posted 12-07-1998 06:58 PM

HELLO,
I'M 28 YEARS OLD AND PLANNING A CRIUSE TO THE CARIBBEAN FOR LATER ON IN THE YEAR. I WAS WONDERING IF ANYONE HAD ANY ADVICE FOR ON A CRUISE WITH GENRALLY YOUNGER PEOPLE, SEMI-UPSCALE (NOT A LOT OF TRAILER TRASH), AND LOTS OF ACTIVITES.

I WAS FAVOURED TOWARDS RCI, NCL, OR PRINCESS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW, THANKS.

STEVE

Posts: 1 | From: LA, CA | Registered: Dec 98

Gerardo
Just Boarded
Member # 166

posted 12-16-1998 01:34 AM

Hi Steve!!!!
Well, all three lines are very good. I have only cruised aboard NCL, and was really really satisfied with the whole experience. Since you're going to the Caribbean, you'll find a lot of young people to know, and, no matter which season you choose, it's almost sure you'll find people of similar age to you.
I guess Princess appeals to slightly older people, so I think NCL is a very good option for a first time cruise. I recommend you to choose a medium or large size ship; in my opinion these offer more choices and fun. Also, choose very well your cabin, that's a very important part of your choice.

Posts: 8 | From: México, D.F. México | Registered: Dec 98

edwardv
First Class Passenger
Member # 566

posted 12-16-1998 11:46 AM

I'ld really suggest looking at Princess. They offer a quality product at excellent prices. The other two lines offer reasonable value for their money, but if you check out the recent reviews, they do seem to be having their problems.

Posts: 10 | From: Overland, MO, USA | Registered: Dec 98

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 12-16-1998 02:08 PM

I'd recommend Celebrity Cruises because they really offer a good value for money and each of their ships is offering everything you need, and they all keep their class and elegancy.
For a first cruise you should choose a small to medium-sized ship, not bigger than Celebrity's MV Zenith. You'll feel much more familiar than on a large ship and you don't need to search places or people you saw the first day for all the rest of the cruise. Smaller ships can often access ports where the large ones can't enter anymore, so you might see more places.
A company which is very good for first cruisers as well is Festival Cruises, I think in the states they are known as First European Cruises. It's a casual ambiance and very comfortable ships.

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98

HarryBJ
Just Boarded
Member # 179

posted 01-21-1999 08:06 AM

Most first-time cruisers of your age are surprised at how old most of the passengers are. NCL or RCI might be your best bet. They're a little more upscale than Carnival, but have a somewhat younger passenger mix than the even more upscale lines like Celebrity, Princess, and Holland.

Also, you might want to avoid cruises longer than 7 days, as they attract a decidedly older crowd. (No offense intended to the older folks - I hope to be old and retired someday, and when I am, I plan to cruise as much as possible.)

Posts: 7 | From: Atlanta | Registered: Jan 99

Rachel
Just Boarded
Member # 386

posted 01-22-1999 01:35 PM

I think at your age you might want to try Royal Caribbean. My husband and I have traveled three times on Carnival and twice on Royal Caribbean. We enjoyed them all, but particularly found the crowd on RCCL to be fun-loving but calmer than on Carnival. We also enjoyed good food and top-notch service on RCCL, plus lots of fun activities in port and at sea. Our favorite was Rhapsody of the Seas to the Southern Caribbean. A really great itinerary. Enjoy your cruise!

Posts: 2 | From: Dallas, TX | Registered: Jan 99

Blue Agave
Just Boarded
Member # 39

posted 01-26-1999 01:52 PM

I have cruised HAL and Princess, each twice. Both offered a quality product at a competitive price. I believe that the choice of cruise line can be very critical to your enjoyment of the vacation. I have heard cruising compared to checking into a hotel and having the doors bolted behind you for seven or ten days. If either the food, room, or service is bad you're vacation could be ruined. The weather was pretty bad during my last Caribbean cruise on the Grand Princess and my wife and I had a blast. We're already booked for next December.

Getting an answer to "What's the best cruise line" is much like asking "Who makes the best pizza?" While you're going to get a lot of firm recommendations from a lot of people, bear in mind that your priorities, interests, and limitations will play a large role in establishing what cruise line is going to give you the most bang for the buck. Consider: (1) the time you want private (perhaps a balcony), (2) do you appreciate innovative/gourmet food (or is "great pizza" and "I couldn't eat it all " your idea of good food), (3) what is your idea of ambiance (nightclub/disco sheik, or thoughtful/artistic appointments), (4) what is you idea of entertainment (passenger games such as "how many balloons can you fit in your bikini?" or quality musical, theatrical, and comedic productions), and finally (5) will your cruise be ruined if the Lido deck pool isn't surrounded by limitless hard bodies in thong bikinis.

You're going to have to figure out what you want out of a cruise. I prefer Princess because, (1) Ilove Itallian food (not Olive Garden jive-tallian) and 24-hour dining options, (2) my wife looks fine in a bikini (so I'm not disappointed in the lack of hard bodies), (3) I prefer to save a couple of hundred on a 10-day cruise and bring my own wine (Princess' alcohol policy permits it, and the refrigerator that's in every room makes it feasible), (4) I love formal dancing (you'll never be alone on the dance floor on a Princess cruise), and (5) I feel safe with a quality, trained, English speaking crew (no ship is unsinkable).

With all that said, be careful with you first cruise expectations. A warm smile, open mind, and a good attitude may have more to do with having a great first cruise than the choice of cruise line.

Posts: 4 | From: Wilmington, DE USA | Registered: Jan 99

PAUL
Just Boarded
Member # 354

posted 01-26-1999 02:28 PM

Check my current entry on the Sea Princess. Also, even though you didn't ask.. avoid Jamaica at all costs. Try southern carib.

Posts: 2 | From: BUIES CREEK, N.C.27506 | Registered: Jan 99

Coast
Just Boarded
Member # 88

posted 02-24-1999 09:16 PM

My 1st cruise was Royal Caribbean. I went with my husband and we loved it. We are young and we really enjoyed it. Royal Caribbean has some beautiful ships, and they are all very classy. Happy Cruising! Misty

Posts: 7 | From: Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 | Registered: Feb 99

Bob
First Class Passenger
Member # 41

posted 03-05-1999 08:57 PM

Steve... if I was 28 again and knew what I Know now, I would try one of the Newer Carnival ships. I have never cruised with them so you'll just have to gamble with me. We've been on RCI & Celebrity (and will be again) but I think that "28" is the key here and unless your going with a group your own age at spring break or something I would give them a try. Their new ship is also a non smoker. I might even try that one. The reviews I've read all seem quite good. Any of the choices would be ok but you did ask us didn't you. good luck.

Posts: 25 | From: BC Canada | Registered: Jan 99

bobm
Just Boarded
Member # 506

posted 04-16-1999 10:36 AM

hi. I am a 50 yesr old single male and am going on my first cruise in may with RCL on the nordic empress to bermuda for 7 days.

I would like to know if anyone has any opinions on this line and/or ship.

Thank you,
Bobm

Posts: 1 | From: baltimore,md., | Registered: Apr 99

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